Nio has recently achieved a remarkable milestone with its ES8 electric vehicle, announcing 40,000 deliveries within just 100 days from its launch. The first ES8 was handed over on September 21, showcasing the rapid growth and demand for this flagship SUV.
Nio ES8 Monthly Deliveries Surge
In the last 11 days alone, Nio delivered 10,000 ES8 units, equating to a monthly run rate of approximately 27,000 vehicles. This significant uptick marks a more than threefold increase in the delivery pace compared to earlier production stages, where the same number of deliveries took 19 days.
CEO’s Confirmation of Popularity
Nio’s founder and CEO, William Li, highlighted the ES8’s success on Weibo, stating that it became the quickest model in China, priced above RMB 400,000 (approximately $56,900), to surpass 40,000 deliveries. This achievement aligns with prior comments from executives, indicating anticipated production levels of 15,000 to 20,000 units for the ES8.
Production Capacity and Challenges
Initially, the demand for the ES8 was so high that its production capacity sold out for 2025 shortly after launch, leading to substantial delivery backlogs. Currently, waiting times for the vehicle can extend up to six months.
William Li previously stated an expectation to produce 40,000 units in 2025, though he noted that increasing production beyond this number presents challenges due to ongoing supply chain issues. Li identified battery supply as a primary bottleneck affecting deliveries, although he anticipated relief starting in January when production capacity would surpass vehicle output.
Current Supply Chain Issues
Despite optimistic forecasts, Nio encountered a new challenge with a clip shortage affecting the rear-seat entertainment system of the ES8. To mitigate potential delays in deliveries, the company announced a modified technical solution beginning December 22.
Recent Delivery Statistics
| Month | ES8 Deliveries |
|---|---|
| September | 2,803 |
| October | 6,703 |
| November | 10,677 |
In total, Nio delivered 20,182 ES8 units in the past three months, indicating a strong trajectory heading into December, where deliveries are expected to double compared to the previous month. This remarkable performance has contributed to Nio’s record figures in recent months, along with its Onvo sub-brand’s L90 SUV.
Revised Annual Delivery Targets
Nio initially set an ambitious target to double its annual deliveries from 2024 to 2025, aiming for approximately 443,000 vehicles. However, adjustments were made, with the latest quarterly targets revised down to 120,000-125,000 units. As of November 30, Nio delivered 277,893 vehicles, achieving about 85.2% of its adjusted target.
To meet its revised goals, Nio would need to deliver 43,107 vehicles in December, a challenging but potentially record-setting task. In response to market demand, the company has also released several limited editions, including variants of the ET5 Touring, the flagship ET9 sedan, and two SUVs from the Onvo line.
